Energy Systems Technology

The Energy Systems degree is designed to prepare graduates for entry level positions across the entire range of energy technologies. The initial option will prepare students to work safely and effectively as operators in fossil-fueled electricity generating power plants. The curriculum will also provide a background in other types of energy production and distribution, including solar, wind, geothermal, and petroleum-based as well as emerging technologies such as ethanol, biodiesel, and clean coal technologies. Graduates will have an understanding of the financial, societal, and environmental impacts of the various energy production technologies, and will be able to operate and troubleshoot the machinery and systems used in energy production.

Available Credentials

Associate in Applied Science

Power Plant Operator 66 - 71 credit hours

Certificate

Employment Opportunities

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics* job prospects are expected to be good as many workers retire and new plants are built. Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers held about 47,000 jobs in 2006, of which 3,800 were nuclear power plant operators, 8,600 were power distributors and dispatchers, and 35,000 were other power plant operators. Jobs were located throughout the country. About 70 percent of jobs were in electric power generation, transmission, and distribution. About 16 percent worked in government, mainly in local government. Others worked for manufacturing establishments that produced electricity for their own use.

National estimates for this occupation:

Employment estimate and percentile wage estimates for this occupation: